The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsA review of all the upcoming Premier League action. Manchester City host league leaders Leicester while The Red Devils travel to London to take on league strugglers Chelsea.
Manchester City V Leicester City, 12:45, Etihad Stadium.
First plays second in what looks like an enthralling encounter. The hosts currently sit three points behind the Foxes and a win here would see them leapfrog Leicester to top the table. The visitors will be feeling confident after their impressive mid-week win when they hosted Liverpool. If the Foxes can pick up three points here it will see them move six points clear of their nearest rivals and in an impressive position.
Aston Villa V Norwich, 15:00, Villa Park.
Villa host Norwich in this bottom of the league match. The hosts currently sit bottom of the table and have only picked up one point from their last three matches. If they hope to stay in the league this year they need to be targeting these kinds of games and picking up maximum points. Norwich are currently one place above the relegation zone and will be looking to expand the difference. Having lost five consecutive Premier League games they’ll need three points here to rediscover their impressive form that they started the season with.
Liverpool V Sunderland, 15:00, Anfield.
After their mid-week loss to Leicester, Liverpool need to pick up maximum points here to refuel their European desires. They currently sit 8th in the league and eleven points off the top four, they’ll need to start winning frequently if they wish to put any pressure on the teams above them. On the other hand Sunderland are struggling badly and are currently playing for their Premier League future. They’re four points away from being safe and will be hoping for an upset at Anfield.
Newcastle United V West Brom, 15:00, St James’ Park.
Newcastle host the Baggies on the weekend where both teams are in the bottom half of the table. At times the Toon have played some incredible football and look dangerous going forward. Their defence is currently letting them down and that’s why they’re in the relegation zone. The hosts have picked up four points from a maximum eighteen and need to start winning frequently to avoid the drop down to the Championship. Although the Baggies are eight points clear of the drop zone, it’s key that they don’t get too complacent. A big win here for the visitors would keep their season going and perhaps spark some good form.
Stoke V Everton, 15:00, Britannia Stadium.
This one can go either way. Both teams at times this season have played some impressive football at times. They’ve also been the worst two teams in the league for consistency. Stoke sit 10th in the league, one point clear of their opponents. They’ve lost their last three league games and will need to be at their best to get anything from Everton, taking into account their incredible away record. The visitor’s away form has been impressive, if their home form was not as dismal as what it has been, they’d be near the top four in the league. Going to be a tight game if both teams are at their best but Everton should just nick it.
Swansea City V Crystal Palace, 15:00, the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea have recently rediscovered their form of late and look to be climbing back up the league. They currently sit 16th in the league and will be looking to move up again if results go their way. They’re unbeaten in their last three league matches and will look to make it four. Palace have struggled of late and will target this one as a must win. Only winning once in their last four league matches, the pressure is building as they’re sliding down the table. If the visitors are at their best then this should be a comfortable three points for them.
Tottenham V Watford, 15:00, White Hart Lane.
This London derby looks to be an exciting one. Tottenham have got themselves to third in the league and have looked very impressive throughout the season. They’re five points off the pace and will be hoping to close the gap of the league leaders. Watford have been one of the most exciting teams of the year. They haven’t let the league intimidate them and Odion Ighalo has been unstoppable. They sit in 9th and look to be staying in the League, which is a great achievement within itself. If Spurs turn up to this one it will be tricky for Watford to get anything out the game, but they’ll dig deep at cause the hosts problems all afternoon.
Southampton V West Ham, 17:300, St. Mary’s Stadium.
Southampton are finally out of their tricky period. They’ve produced some good results of late and currently sit 7th in the league, they’re unbeaten in their last four league matches and will look to close the gap between themselves and their opponents on Saturday. West Ham have had an incredible season and sit one place above the Saints. Picking up five points from their last three, they’ll be looking to expand the gap over Southampton.
Bournemouth V Arsenal, 13:30, Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth have played some really good football throughout this season and seems to be everyone’s second team. They’re seven points clear of the relegation zone and will need to work hard for the second half of the season if they wish to keep their Premier League status. Arsenal have slumped of late and anything other than a win here will put another dent into their title chase. They’ve failed to win in their last four league matches and know that they cannot let their rivals get any further ahead.
Chelsea V Manchester United, 16:00, Stamford Bridge.
The biggest match of the weekend, only right it’s the last one. Chelsea seem to have found that magic from last year, picking up good wins but then drawing away to Watford. Although Watford have been incredible at times this season, it’s a game Chelsea should be winning. Lots of pressure on Van Gaal of late and rumours of Jose Mourinho taking over cannot help the pressure. A win here for both teams is vital and looks to be a tight, but entertaining encounter.
